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Document number: 02092
Date: 02 Dec 1830
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: SCROPE George Julius Duncombe Poulett
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Collection number historic: LA30-053
Last updated: 1st September 2003

Chippenham <1>

December 2.
1830.

Dear Talbot,

I understand from Methuen that you have a couple of Bow Street Officers <2> at Lacock. It is very patriotic in you paying your two guineas a day, or whatever it may be for the protection of your neighbours – But, if you can spare one of them to assist Mr Vallance the head Constable of this Town in the discovery and apprehension of the writers of many threatening letters which have been dropped about the place, both Methuen <3> & myself will be obliged to you – Mr Vallance will name the time when they are wanted & explain all the circumstances – Meantime of course the less that is dropped on the intention of having the officer here the better – I believe we are all very safe & quiet throughout our division –

yours truly in haste

G Poulett Scrope

H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey

Notes:

1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.

2. The first London police and detective force were housed at the cheif magistrate’s at Bow Street.

3. Paul Methuen, Baron Methuen (1779–1849), MP.